"Mother is very ill," she exclaimed. "I think she is out of her mind. Come to her at once."
"GABRIELLE HEATHCOTE RUSHED INTO THE ROOM."
She took Mackenzie's hand in hers.
"There isn't a minute to lose," she said, "she may kill herself. She came to me with a carving-knife in her hand; I rushed away at once for you. The two servants are with her now, and they are doing all they can; but, oh! pray, do be quick."
At this moment Gabrielle's eyes rested on me. A look of relief and almost ecstasy passed over her poor, thin little face.
"You are here!" she exclaimed. "You will come, too? Oh, how glad I am."
"If Dr. Mackenzie will permit me," I replied, "I shall be only too pleased to accompany him."
"By all means come, you may be of the greatest use," he answered.